Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Remember I told you that May is my month in Ringo Pie bee?Seriously, you have no idea how excited I am aboutreceiving everyone's blocks - 11 members besides me; therefore,11 envelops/packages to come. Ever since I picked my theme whichis "Delivering letters and packages," I knew I was going topaper-piece 11 envelops. My initial plan was to embroidereveryone's initial on each envelop, but I wasn't sure ifI could pick the best envelop for everyone, so I decided not to.Or in other words, I just got tired of working on this. lol

I used photoshop to design a simple envelop pattern,and then picked 11 different solids that seemed to workwell together. Well, that may just have sounded an easystep, but choosing 11 solids was one of the hardest part ofthis project. Most of my craft projects are improvised;I barely ever go fabric-shopping with any particular projectsin mind, but I couldn't be happy with my solids collection,so I had a few trips to fabric stores to get just the rightsolid. Yellow was the trickiest color. I ended up withKona corn yellow - what a lovely color it is!!

Choosing print cotton to match solids was easy and fun.My favorite envelop might be the orange one with aboy and girl. Isn't the vintage print super adorable?Thank you so much erica for sharing me this beautiful fabric!

Another tricky part was this mail box, because it has curves!!Yikes! In the past I've always avoided paper-piecing anythingthat has curves for Ringo Pie bee blocks, because I suck at curves.But I took this opportunity to step outside my comfort zone to grow up.And I am very happy I did, because it wasn't as difficult asI expected and It was such a pleasure to know that I amcapable of tackling curves! well, not perfect like everyoneelse's in Ringo Pie, but I think I will get better.A positive attitude is indeed necessary when I sew.Without it, I would be too overwhelmed to do anything.

Yes, this sewing blogland intimidates me too.It has been sort of nice to read what people havesaid recently about sewing blogland being intimidating.I thought I was the only one who is terribly intimidatedand worried too much about presenting myself/my projects,

but clearly I am not alone. (a big sigh of relief.)

It's been hard for me too. I could have aloooong post about my fears to blog/sew, but

I try to be optimistic. When I am too overwhelmed,

I get fresh air, go hiking, hang out with a hubby/friends

for some laugh, and eat really yummy stuff

until I am ready to have some fun again with sewing/blogging.

I am just grateful that there is anybody out there

who is willing to spare some time to stop by my blog,

read what I have to say, and leave me nice comments/emailsthat constantly encourage me to keep

doing what I've been doing.

Thank you SO much for allowing me to share myprojects here. Have a fabulous day!

Delivering letters and packages is a wonderful theme Ayumi! Who wouldn't want to receive mail that is as cute as yours. The envelopes are a terrific way to showcase the novelty prints. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the group come up with.

Wow. I am speechless. That is amazing! I love the little envelopes, and the mailbox...OH! the mailbox! This may be my favorite thing you've ever made....but I have so many favorites from your work. Spectacular job!

This is DIVINE!!! Love the curves on the mailbox, and the old letter print fabric. Love the colours, I'm intrigued to know how big the final piece is. And in case I wasn't quite clear about what I thought of this design: DEEEVINE!

How much do I love this quilt?T.............H.............I...............S............M..............U.................C..............H!!Can you see my arms stretching wide? This is perfection. Never, ever feel intimidated. You are awesome!

Oh, I love those little envelopes. How cute! I was just talking with a friend about learning how to paper piece, I have no idea how to do it but I will certainly try someday! Hopefully soon! It's always intimidating to try new things, but with practice there is nothing to be scared of. jessicaoliveto@gmail.com

this block is beyond amazing, beyond fantastic, and beyond any other word that i can think of. i feel privileged just to look at your beautiful work. i can't believe how humble you are. you are an inspiration in many ways other than sewing.

IOh my goodness, just incredible! The way those envelopes burst open with their beautiful fabric contents is just amazing and the mailbox is perfect- curves and everything! Maybe creative wobbles make us stronger. This is Fantastic!

I already say your block on flickr! I love it! And thanks for the encouraging words! Probably the secret is enjoying what one does without comparing oneself too much to others ... Thank you for sharing your art! :-)

Hi Ayumi, you always have the bestest ideas!! I love everything about this, the envelopes, the individualized fabric for each, the mailbox and yes the curves too - you did great as always! I'm surprised to read that you feel intimidated when you're so talented. Your work is always so ingenious, inspirational and yummy eye candy. I love to come back again and again to gawk at all the gorgeousness here at Pink Penguin!THANKS!Grace

Ayumi, you are my favorite designer! Don't doubt yourself, you make such beautiful things! I've made your baskets for Christmas gifts, loads of wristlets as gifts and now your checkerboard bag from Stitch magazine. I'm still fairly new to sewing, just got my sewing machine about a year and a half ago. You taught me to do patchwork and not to fear zippers, you've been such a great help to me! Thank you and just keep doing what you're doing. I learn so much from you!

Your blocks look great. Your post was so sweet. Honestly your blog was one of the reasons I started my own. You are very inspiring. It's comforting to know that the people who inspire you also feel the same way you do, the same fears and all. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful creations with us, Ayumi! ♥ Erin

Ayumi! This is beautiful! I have been gearing up for your Ringo Pie month as well, its such a fun theme. I finally have some time away from classes and can't wait to finish up my Ringo Pie blocks and start yours :) I am so glad that you are able to use the little boy and girl fabric...let me know if need a little more!

I LOVE this block. I especially love the mailbox's colors -- very cute. (: I just wanted to let you know how completely addicted I am to your blog! I'm always excited to see what you've been working on. Keep up the good work! (:

This is so sweet! I've never been remotely tempted to try paper piecing (well, apart from english paper piecing, which I am addicted to), but your blog has really inspired me to give it a shot, so thanks :)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamazing, Ayumi! I can't even begin to express how much I love this. And everything you do! I'm so crazy in love with the beautiful things you make… that I can't find the words. I adore you, I adore your art. xxoo

I love you right back Ayumi. I'm having trouble expressing how much this block impresses me. You're talent is one of a kind. I hope that our feedback on your posts helps you to find the confidence in yourself that WE all have in you!

There is so much thought and love and care behind all your works. This is so adorable and such a happy block. It reminds me of illustrations in children's vintage books. It would be fun to see everyone's clever blocks :)

I really look forward to your posts! You are so creative. I am glad you take the time to blog and share your creativity with all of us. I can't wait to see all of your bee blocks-it's going to be adorable I am sure. I love the mailbox and envelopes-so great :)

You rocked the curves, Ayumi! I am always impressed with how you gain the proper perspective with the paper pieced blocks so they have depth. And the envelopes. Oh my! They totally remind me of mail from my grandmother whom I loved dearly. She used to send us the coolest envelopes and most special letters. She would have loved this. What size is that block you made? I'm trying to figure out how you are going to incorporate this with the other blocks and more importantly, how long am I going to have to wait to see all the others?!! ;-)

Ayumi! Everything you do is so adorable and your stuff blows me away consistently. I was at the fabric store the other day and picked up Stitch for the very first time while I was waiting in line to check out. As I was leafing through it to see what the hype was all about I saw the most adorable little slippers and I thought to myself, "It looks like someone ripped off Ayumi's style! That is adorable!" Anyway, you can figure out the rest of the story . . . I eventually read the rest and realized it WAS you. :) Your blog is a must read for me. I only hope that someday I can inspire sewists the way that you do.

these are so cute ayumi! your work is such an inspiration for me all the time-- it is always such a pleasure to visit here and leave feeling inspired to pick up fabric and sew! i'm so glad that you'll still be blogging from tokyo :) so happy for you and joe about the move!

The envelopes are so artistically adorable!!! Can't wait until you share the tutorial for making these. You are so utterly gifted and you generously share your patterns. As my mother says "those who give receive three fold."Your generosity and your willingness to share is greatly appreciated. You have so many fans. Believe in yourself, as long as you love what you make and you're having fun----that's what matters. Thank you, Gracias, Merci.BrendaTexas

Brenda-What a sweet thing to say! Thank you!! I was going to write up a tutorial on paper-piecing something other than anything I've made for Ringo Pie bee. I had something in mind, which didn't turn out great, so I have to give some thought to a new design for a tute more. I hope that will help folks learn how to paper piece things :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog! My name is Ayumi. I love sharing my crafty journal and other little anecdotes in my life here. I am a mother to a baby girl and a wife to my husband from Seattle. We live in a small apartment in Tokyo. I hope you enjoy being here :) Welcome♪